How to Memorize

disassemble furniture/an engine/a computer

Analysis

Disassemble is the opposite of 'assemble'. It means to take something apart. You can disassemble a physical object: "I've disassembled the unit but I still can't see where the problem is." You can also disassemble something intangible, such as an argument or an idea. Something might 'disassemble' in order to make it easier to carry or store: "The new electric bikes can be disassembled in two minutes, making them easier to bring on Public Transport." A group of people can also disassemble, meaning to disperse or scatter: "The crowd disassembled quickly after the uncomfortable revelations were made." This is a formal way of saying 'to take apart' and is, therefore, more likely to be heard in professional environments.

Social Examples (Advance)

1. I disassembled my computer in an attempt to discover why it keeps overheating, but I couldn't find anything. Now I can't figure out how to put it back together again!
2. My father loves to restore classic cars, especially ones from the 1950s. Whenever he finds a new one to fix up, the first thing he does is disassemble the engine and rebuild it from scratch.

Professional Examples (Advance)

1. I think we need to disassemble the subcommittee as we need their expertise in other areas at the moment.
2. I wouldn't go in there if I were you. The printers are being disassembled and there is black powder everywhere!

Further Suggestions